Beric | National Historic Ships

Registration number 1981

Status Archived

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Beric at her moorings in St Katherine's Dock

Beric - port bow view (Photo comp entry)

Beric - being broken up on Oare Creek Apr 2019

Details

Function Cargo Vessel

Subfunction Barge

Location NONE

Vessel type Barge - Spritsail

Archive reason Disposed

Current use

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Cann, John & Herbert, Harwich

Built in 1896

Rig Spritsail

Number of decks 1

Number of masts 2

Propulsion Sail

Number of engines 1

Primary engine type Diesel

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam

20.00 feet (6.10m)

Depth

4.00 feet (1.22m)

Length: Overall

83.00 feet (25.32m)

Tonnage: Gross

62.00

History

Thames Sailing barge BERIC was a fine example of an industrial era. Built at Harwich in 1896, she principally ferried grain and flour between Ipswich and London. She was one of the last sea-going wooden vessels to carry cargo in Britain, trading up until 1977. BERIC was fully restored in keeping with her historic origins, based in St Katherine’s Dock in London and was used for corporate and private charter hosting weddings, parties, product launches and exhibitions. She was also the venue for the ‘Transport Trust Awards’ presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

As of April 2019, the vessel was reported to being broken up in Oare Creek after falling into disrepair and becoming rotten.